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A fireplace or wood stove

According to Seattle architects Malbouef Bowie, fireplaces can have enormous impact as architectural details (and wood stoves, of course, are significant, and efficient, heat sources). "You can have a really simple interior," says architect Tiffany Bowie,"and if you add a focal point, it really grabs people’s attention and interest."

Pull-out shelving in kitchen cabinets

For storing appliances and pantry items, architect Sheila Narusawa suggests installing pull-out shelves. They bring all of the hidden items at the back into the light, making them easy to reach—and easy to put away.

Pictured above, a floor-to-ceiling cabinet with pull-out shelves in a Boston remodel by Chris Greenawalt of Bunker Workshop. See the rest of the project in Rehab Diaries: Tales from the Hood.

Kitchen with two dishwashers, Remodelista

Double dishwashers

Have a large family or love entertaining? SF-based BAR Architects suggest adding a second dishwasher to handle overload. Image via Pure Style Home.

Acoustic insulation for bathrooms

As charming as open-plan loft spaces are, it's not always charming to use the bathroom in one. Ditto for Victorians or anywhere where sound carries well, such as powder room next to a dining room.

According to architects Specht Harpman, the job of an architect is to consider things like "solar position at different times of day, reflectivity of materials, acoustics, and many other items owners might not be thinking about." We agree, and think acoustic insulation, especially in the overhaul of an old space, is a smart move.

Self-closing cabinet drawers

Made LLC suggests installing self-closing cabinet drawers. Kitchens and baths look their tidiest when drawers are closed; if you have lots of hands opening (and forgetting to close) them, spring for cabinets that close themselves.

Pictured above is a Dublin kitchen by architect Peter Legge, who used self-closing drawers with rectangular cutouts in lieu of drawer handles. Find this project and more in 10 Favorites: Cutout Kitchen Cabinet Pulls.

Electronics charging station in Henrybuilt wood wardrobe, Remodelista

An electronics charging station

Architect Jennifer Weiss is proactive about suggesting details that clients don't think to ask for, such as charging stations for laptops and cell phones. Virtually everyone building or remodeling a house has tech gadgets to charge and corral, and having built-in solutions adds ease and order.

Shown here is an electronics charging station incorporated into a Henrybuilt closet system.

Bedroom with yellow accents and white interior shutters, Remodelista

Interior shutters

Says designer Kriste Michelini, "If your house requires shutters, use shutters." Translation: For those who don't like curtains or shades, old-fashioned wooden shutters are a great alternative. We like the way they filter light in unexpected ways.

A designated area for your pets' things

Another suggestion from Made LLC: "Factor your pets and the way they live into your design plans!" If you don't want a cat scratcher in the middle of your hallway or a dog bed on your living room floor, take the time to think this through during your remodel.

A waist-high dog washing tub

We had one of these in my house growing up. (Actually, we had an entire room dedicated to grooming our dogs.) And it actually didn't feel like a luxury: if you bathe your dog(s) a lot, a waist-high tub will spare your back (and handily doubles as a utility sink).